Compare the highest-rated hvac professionals in Howland, Maine. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A family-owned HVAC specialist serving Howland and the greater Penobscot Valley for over 25 years. They excel in installing and maintaining high-efficiency heating systems crucial for Maine winters, including oil and propane furnaces, heat pumps, and ductless mini-splits. Their technicians are NATE-certified and deeply familiar with the challenges of keeping homes warm and energy-efficient in a harsh climate.
A local contractor known for responsive service and comprehensive HVAC solutions. They specialize in both installation and repair of central air conditioning systems for the short but sometimes intense Maine summers, as well as full heating services. They are a Bryant® dealer and offer proactive maintenance plans to ensure system reliability throughout the year.
A reputable provider offering a wide range of residential and light commercial HVAC services. They are particularly noted for their expertise in furnace repair and replacement, handling both modern high-efficiency models and older systems common in the region. They pride themselves on honest diagnostics and offer financing options for new system installations.
The HVAC market in Howland, Maine, is heavily influenced by its humid continental climate, characterized by long, very cold winters and short, warm summers. This creates a primary demand for highly reliable and efficient heating systems (e.g., oil furnaces, boilers, heat pumps) and a secondary, growing demand for air conditioning. Providers must be adept at servicing older heating infrastructure while installing modern, energy-efficient solutions to help homeowners manage high winter energy costs. Emergency heating repair service is a critical offering due to the severe winter weather. The market is served by a mix of long-standing local contractors and larger regional companies that cover the Penobscot County area.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Howland regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about hvac services in Howland, Maine.
The ideal time is during the late spring or summer months (May-August). During Maine's cold winters, HVAC companies are swamped with emergency repair calls, leading to longer wait times and potentially higher costs for installations. Scheduling in the off-season ensures you get timely service, often at a more competitive rate, and guarantees your system is ready before the first hard freeze in October or November.
Howland experiences long, severe winters with temperatures often dropping well below freezing, making heating system reliability and efficiency paramount. We strongly recommend systems with high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings for furnaces and boilers. Given the cold climate, investing in a higher-efficiency model, though initially more costly, will provide significant long-term savings on heating oil or propane, which are common fuels in our area.
Yes, Efficiency Maine Trust offers significant rebates for homeowners who install qualifying high-efficiency heat pumps, furnaces, and boilers. These incentives are particularly valuable in Howland to help offset the upfront cost. For example, you can receive rebates for cold-climate air-source heat pumps, which are an excellent supplemental heating and cooling solution for our region. Always check their website or consult with a local HVAC provider for the latest program details.
First, ensure they are fully licensed and insured to work in Maine. Look for a company with extensive experience servicing the specific types of systems common in older Howland homes, such as oil boilers and hydronic heating. A reputable local contractor will understand the challenges of our climate, offer emergency winter service, and be familiar with navigating Efficiency Maine rebate paperwork for you.
Yes, a rumbling or "kettle drum" noise from an oil furnace often indicates a delayed ignition, which can cause a dangerous buildup of fuel oil in the combustion chamber. This is a serious safety concern that requires immediate attention. Given Howland's reliance on heating oil and the potential for rapid temperature drops, you should shut off the furnace and call a local HVAC technician right away to prevent a hazardous situation and more costly damage.